Modeling Potential Shallow Landslides over Large Areas with SliDisp+

The deterministic model SliDisp+ calculates the potential detachment zones of shallow landslides. It is a grid-based model using an infinite slope analysis to calculate the safety factors F (ratio of retaining and driving forces) for each cell.

The input data consists of the slope topography, soil strength parameters, depths and shapes of potential shear planes, and the hydraulic behavior. The variables are derived from a digital elevation model (DEM), geological, geotechnical, and pedological documents, or field investigations. From this data the soil is classified over large areas. For each cell, the critical slope angle as well as the soil cohesion is determined.

Studies in several test areas showed that pedological aspects as well as joint water-input from underlying rock must be taken into account. Combined with the run-out model SliDepot, SliDisp+ calculates the extent of potential landslides over large areas and thus can be applied for spatial planning and optimized positioning of protection measures.